One in five Americans get a massage at least once a year. That means there are a lot of us out there who have never experienced a professional massage!
What about you? Are you thinking about getting your first massage?
It’s normal to feel a little apprehensive, especially if you don’t know what to expect. That’s why we’ve put together this post for you — to ensure your first massage experience is a terrific one!
Keep reading below for everything you need to know before, during, and after your massage session.
Before Your Massage
A standard massage session is one hour, with 50 minutes of hands-on time and 10 minutes for consultation and dressing. Although longer (90 or 120 minutes) or shorter (30 minutes) sessions may be available, one hour is ideal for experiencing your first full-body massage.
You may wish to book a Swedish massage, which uses light to medium pressure, for your first experience and save the deep tissue massage for when you’re more used to bodywork. If you’re still unsure which treatment length or type is best for you, ask the receptionist for advice when you call to make the appointment.
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early so you’re not rushed and you have time to unwind before your treatment begins. If possible, take a shower before you come to the spa so your skin is clean and your body is warm and relaxed. It’s also best to avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine immediately before your session.
When you meet your therapist, they’ll bring you back to the treatment room and ask a few questions such as:
- How are you feeling today?
- Do you have any areas you would like to focus on?
- Have you had any recent surgeries or injuries?
- Do you have any allergies or serious medical conditions?
- What is your goal for your session today?
Be honest! Your therapist is a trained medical professional who will not judge you for any physical, mental, or emotional conditions you’re dealing with. Your answers will allow them to tailor the massage to your needs and ensure you get the most out of your session.
After the consultation, your therapist will leave the room and give you complete privacy. Undress to your level of comfort (you may leave your underwear on or remove them) and get onto the table between the sheets — your therapist will indicate whether you should start face-up or face-down.
During Your Massage
Your therapist will knock before they re-enter the room. Before the massage begins, they may ask some brief questions about the temperature, the music volume, and your position.
Again, be honest, as it’s their job to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible! It’s common to have a pillow under your knees when you’re face-up and under your ankles when you’re face-down to give your back support, but your therapist can always make adjustments to suit your needs.
A full-body massage typically includes your head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs, and feet. If there are any areas you wish to avoid, simply tell your therapist before the session begins.
At some point during the massage, your therapist will ask you to turn over. The exact sequence of the massage will vary, and your therapist may spend more time on an area of concern (for example, your neck if you have a headache or your legs if you’re sore from skiing).
During the massage, your therapist will only uncover the part of the body they’re working on. They’ll use sheets or a towel as draping and will ensure that your private areas (genitals and breast tissue) remain covered for the entire session.
Keep the lines of communication open during your massage. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you want more or less pressure, if you feel too hot or too cold, or if you’re uncomfortable for any other reason.
Feel free to enjoy the massage in silence or make small talk with your therapist — whatever helps you feel relaxed! Throughout the session, try to quiet your mind, relax your muscles, and take nice deep breaths.
After Your Massage
Your therapist will let you know when the massage is finished, at which point they’ll step out of the room. Take a moment to breathe, stretch, and enjoy the calm before you get off the table and get dressed.
Ideally, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax after your massage. If possible, don’t plan any strenuous activities immediately after your session. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and go easy on the caffeine and alcohol (or skip it altogether) for the remainder of the day.
It’s normal to feel a little bit of soreness the day after a massage, especially if you’ve been dealing with chronic pain or tension. Ideally, though, you should feel energized, relaxed, and rejuvenated for days to come!
Get the Most Out of Your First Massage
Now that you know what to expect, are you ready to experience your first massage?
The skilled professionals at Simply Massage are ready to provide you with a wonderful experience. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and we’ll gladly recommend the best type of massage to suit your needs and preferences.
Contact us today at 970-748-1600 to learn more or use our online form to schedule your massage. We can’t wait to meet you and help you feel your absolute best.